Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development as one of the most significant of the day, describing it as a story that had moved into "serious, concrete and strong negotiations" within the last 24 hours.
ESPN reported that Real Madrid are aiming specifically to beat their LaLiga rivals to a player who appeared, for much of the year, destined for the Camp Nou.
Silva, 31, confirmed his departure from City in April after nine years at the Etihad Stadium that produced 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. He made 460 appearances, scoring 76 goals and adding 75 assists, and captained the side in his final season — featuring in every Premier League match for the first time in his career as Manchester City won the title and lifted both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
His agent Jorge Mendes had previously offered Silva to Real Madrid earlier in the year, but the club declined to commit. The arrival of Mourinho has changed that calculation entirely.
According to AS, Jose Mourinho has made Silva his top midfield priority and personally lobbied the club's hierarchy to pursue the deal — valuing his compatriot's leadership, tactical intelligence and ability to control tempo as exactly what a fractured Real Madrid dressing room requires.
Barcelona had come close to an agreement with Silva several weeks ago, according to ESPN, but the player chose to delay any final decision until after the World Cup. That delay has proven costly for the Catalans. Atletico Madrid remain interested in the background, and Galatasaray are understood to have offered a financially superior three-year package, but Silva's stated preference — according to ESPN sources — is now Real Madrid.
Mendes told Romano: "Bernardo will decide after the World Cup."
Nothing has been signed. But the direction of travel is unmistakable.
For Real Madrid, the symbolism matters as much as the football. Mourinho's return to the Bernabéu was secured on the promise of a squad rebuild with real authority behind it. Landing a player Barcelona believed they had already won would be an early statement that the authority is real.
Portugal's World Cup campaign now doubles as a four-week audition and a four-week wait. Silva will play for his country. Three clubs will be watching, but increasingly, only one appears to be in genuine contention.